On Thursday, a highly favored Grove team — which is four classes higher and ranked in the top 10 in the state — had to go to the limit to beat WCS, 69-61.

"They (the Grove Ridgerunners) were big," said Holley. "I felt like we were playing a college team. Not only were they big, but they were thick. The started four seniors and the No. 1 sophomore in the state. Two of their guys have signed Division II basketball letters."